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Newcastle United, seeking to end a 70-year trophy drought and boasting a two-goal cushion from the first leg, prepare to face Arsenal at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening, with a spot in the 64th EFL Cup final hanging in the balance. The winners will advance to meet either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on March 16.
Following a record-breaking nine-match winning streak in all competitions, Newcastle have since suffered two defeats in their last three Premier League matches, including a 2-1 loss to Fulham at home last weekend. Despite leading at halftime through Jacob Murphy, the Magpies succumbed to a second-half comeback by the Cottagers, condemning them to consecutive home defeats for the first time in a year.
Eddie Howe expressed his disappointment, stating that his team were “nowhere near” their usual standard. Newcastle currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City, whom they face in their next top-flight fixture.
Before that crucial match, Newcastle must refocus on the EFL Cup, seeking to reach their second domestic cup final in three years and hope to win their first major piece of silverware since lifting the 1955 FA Cup. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored in the Magpies’ 2-0 first-leg triumph at the Emirates, and Howe’s side will aim to win their fourth match in five against the Gunners.
Since losing the first leg, Arsenal have won five and drawn one of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 5-1 victory over Manchester City on Sunday. Mikel Arteta has cautioned his players against getting carried away with their recent success, as they still trail leaders Liverpool by six points.
Arsenal are seeking to win the EFL Cup for only the third time in their history, having last lifted the trophy in 1993. To reach the final, they must win by at least three goals at Newcastle, a feat they last achieved in October 2010.
TEAM NEWS:
Newcastle are still without Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles due to injury, but Callum Wilson may return to the matchday squad after an eight-week absence. Nick Pope is available for selection after recovering from a knee injury.
Arsenal are missing injured trio Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while Ben White is nearing a return from a long-term knee injury. David Raya is expected to retain his place in goal, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri will be pushing for starting spots.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS:
Newcastle United: Pope; Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
OUR PREDICTION: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Although Arsenal are in high spirits after their win over Manchester City, Newcastle’s home advantage and aggregate lead may prove decisive. The Gunners looks moost likely to secure a positive result here, but whether they can achieve the required three-goal margin remains uncertain.
Thinking arsenal will beat Newcastle is 0% ball knowledge
Home win either half. Stake big